Secondary News
- Mrs A Neale
- Nov 7
- 4 min read
T4, Week 4
Stage 5 Examinations
Congratulations to our Year 9 and Year 10 students who began their Yearly Examinations this week.
Next week Year 9 complete their subject examinations whilst Year 10 complete All My Own Work and head to our Stepping Up camp.
Transitions
Transitions can be challenging for young people as they learn to navigate new ideas, develop new ways of thinking, approach problems, and form new friendships. Yet, transitions are also an essential part of growth and maturity, helping to build resilience, think critically, and develop greater independence.
An important part of Secondary schooling is creating opportunities for students to explore new ways of doing things within a supportive and safe environment.
Two significant transitions in a Secondary student’s journey are the move from Primary to Secondary school, and later, the step from Year 10 into their Senior studies.
To help your young people move through these transitions, families can help by:
Establishing clear and consistent routines in the morning and afternoon to help them feel organised and confident
Providing small opportunities to build independence gradually, allowing them to take more responsibility at their own pace
Keeping communication open so your child has the time and space to talk through and process new changes
Encouraging the use of a planner or digital organiser, helping them manage responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed
Staying connected with teachers regularly to work together in supporting your child’s wellbeing and learning
Student Support
Advice for our incoming Year 7 students:
Try to stay on top of all your school work and don't be scared to ask teachers, other classmates, and older students for help. Also, get involved in lunchtime clubs and school events. It makes high school more fun and helps with growing strong friendships.
- Bethany (Year 12)
Advice for our Year 10 students
Going into Senior studies is the time you want to be cementing your study habits, and as Bruce Lee succinctly puts it, long-term consistency trumps short-term intensity. Also, figure out the study methods that work best for you and stick to a routine.
- Annika (Year 12)
Make sure you're mentally prepared for the switch and change in workload. Year 10 to Year 11 is a big jump and you will have to work harder if you want to keep up. Also just make the most of school whilst you're still there because it'll go by real quick.
- Joseph (Year 12)
Mrs A Neale
Head of Secondary
Year 7 Immersion - The Blessing of Community
This week we had the pleasure of welcoming our 2026 Year 7 students into high school for a glimpse of what awaits them at our annual Immersion Day.
The morning began with ‘get to know you’ games, where MCS Primary students, new students from across the region, and our Year 9 facilitators connected with one another. This was followed by a lively scavenger hunt across the high school campus—a race against time that included bonus challenges such as getting Mr Weeks to unknowingly say a key phrase and performing the Church Clap dance as a group on the squares area, much to the students’ delight.
Students then enjoyed inspiring introductions to Art and Science, led by Mrs Cocking and Mr Ditton, who brought their subjects to life with enthusiasm, expertise and creativity. For lunch, our Year 10 students hosted a vibrant Mexican fiesta as part of their Invictus ‘Serve’ programme, serving nachos and warm hospitality. The day concluded with a Secondary sport session where students joined in volleyball and soccer together.
There were countless highlights throughout the day, but what stood out most to me was the interactions between our incoming Year 7s and our current high school students and teachers—moments of genuine connection, encouragement, and shared excitement. It was beautiful to see our students step so naturally into leadership, welcoming, guiding, and encouraging the younger students with genuine care. It served as a lovely reminder of the strength of our MCS community: a place where students are eager to support one another and excited to welcome new members. I left the day feeling grateful for the privilege of being part of such a warm, open, and joyful community. To our prospective Year 7s, our high school community eagerly looks forward to welcoming you fully into Secondary school at the start of 2026!
Click to expand:
Mr G Klopper
Junior Secondary Coordinator
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Secondary | Key Dates: |
Wk 4 & 5 | Stage 5 Exams |
Wk 5 12th - 14th Nov | Year 10 Stepping Up Camp Sydney |
Wk 5 13th Nov | MegaCru Details on Sentral Parent App for attendees |
Wk 6 & 7 | Year 10 Work Experience |
Wk 6 | Year 7 Invictus Challenge |
Wk 6 13th Nov | Next Gen Leadership Day Newcastle |
Wk 7 26th Nov | Year 9 Invictus Excursion Details on Sentral Parent App |
Wk 7 28th Nov | Year 8 Invictus Excursion Details on Sentral Parent App |